Texas HHS 2026: Benefits, Offices & Eligibility
Most people searching for Texas HHS, Texas Health and Human Services, Texas Department of Health and Human Services, HHSC Texas, or Your Texas Benefits need one practical answer: how to apply, renew, upload documents, find an office, call 2-1-1, check SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, Lone Star Card, eligibility, appeal, or report a problem.
This guide is written in plain U.S. English for Texas families, seniors, caregivers, people with disabilities, parents, pregnant women, workers, and anyone helping a relative with benefits. It is not the official Texas HHS website. It helps you choose the right official route before you submit private information, mail forms, visit a benefits office, or call the wrong agency.
Quick answer: what Texas Health and Human Services helps with in 2026
Texas Health and Human Services helps Texans apply for and manage benefits such as SNAP food benefits, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF cash help, Lone Star Card services, aging and disability services, mental health and substance use resources, local service office routing, complaints, appeals, and ombudsman help.
| What you need | Best official route | Prepare first | Senior-friendly tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas HHS phone number | 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 | Language choice, benefit type, county, case number if you have one, callback number | After choosing your language, press Option 2 for state benefits help. |
| Apply for SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP or TANF | YourTexasBenefits.com | Names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers if applicable, income, expenses, bills, ID, immigration documents if applicable | Create or use one account so notices, renewals and uploads stay together. |
| Find Texas HHS office near me | Your Texas Benefits Find an Office | ZIP code, county, service needed, documents to drop off, appointment question | Check office type before driving because not every office handles every service. |
| Renew Texas benefits | Your Texas Benefits account or mailed renewal packet | Renewal notice, case number, updated income, expenses, household changes and documents | Do not wait until the last day; renewal delays can interrupt benefits. |
| Upload documents or proof of facts | Your Texas Benefits account, local benefits office, mail or fax | Proof requested on your notice, clear photos/scans, case number on each page | Keep screenshots, upload confirmations, fax receipts or copies. |
| Lone Star Card lost, stolen, frozen or PIN issue | Lone Star Help Desk | Cardholder name, case information, mailing address, last known card use, PIN concern | Call 800-777-7328 quickly if the card is lost, stolen or benefits look wrong. |
| Denied, reduced or closed benefits | Fair hearing / appeal route | Notice date, action taken, benefit type, reason you disagree, documents | Appeal deadlines matter. Read the notice date and deadline carefully. |
| Complaint not solved by caseworker or provider | HHS Office of the Ombudsman | Steps already tried, caseworker/provider name, dates, notices, phone records | Try the provider or caseworker first, then contact the Ombudsman if unresolved. |
Many people search “Texas Department of Health and Human Services,” but the main official agency name is Texas Health and Human Services. Texas Department of State Health Services is a separate public health agency. YourTexasBenefits.com is the main benefits portal. Texas.gov is the broader state services portal.
Texas HHS route finder: benefits, offices, eligibility, card, appeal or complaint
Use this simple task router before calling, applying, uploading documents, or visiting an office. It is designed for common search intent such as “Texas HHS benefits,” “Texas Health and Human Services office near me,” “Your Texas Benefits login,” “Texas food stamps,” and “Texas Medicaid eligibility.”
Texas HHS task router
Select your need. The safest next step appears below.
Texas HHS phone number, 2-1-1 Texas, Your Texas Benefits help and call script
For help with the Texas HHS website or benefits, call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905, select your language, then choose Option 2 for state benefit questions. For local community resources, 2-1-1 also routes callers to services in their area.
Use a short call script
Say: “I need help with [SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, Lone Star Card, renewal, documents, office appointment, appeal, or application]. My county is [county]. I have a case number if needed. Which option or official page should I use?”
Use the right option for the right problem
2-1-1 Texas lists Option 1 for services in your area, Option 2 for YourTexasBenefits.com and state benefits, Option 4 for the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, and Option 5 for mental health and substance abuse resources.
Before calling, place the renewal notice, denial notice, Lone Star Card, case number, date of birth, address, and income proof on the table. If you help a parent or grandparent, ask whether authorization or the person’s consent is needed before discussing the case.
Your Texas Benefits login: apply, renew, upload documents and report changes
YourTexasBenefits.com is the main online portal for many Texas HHS benefit tasks, including applying for benefits, renewing benefits, checking notices, uploading documents, reporting changes, and managing case information.
Start a new application
Use when you need SNAP food benefits, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF cash help, or multiple benefits at once.
Apply onlineRenew benefits
Use your renewal notice or online account. Update household, income, address, and expenses before submitting.
Renewal helpSend proof
Upload documents to your account, take them to a local office, or use mail or fax if your notice gives that route.
Next steps| Step | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Screen your need | Choose SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, or multiple programs. | One application may evaluate more than one benefit type. |
| 2. Add household facts | List household members, income, jobs, expenses, rent, utilities, childcare, medical costs and resources. | Eligibility is based on household facts, not only income. |
| 3. Submit proof | Upload or send documents requested by HHSC. | Missing proof can delay or deny the application. |
| 4. Watch notices | Check mail and Your Texas Benefits messages. | Notices tell you if an interview, proof, renewal or appeal deadline applies. |
| 5. Report changes | Report address, income, job, household, expense and insurance changes when required. | Unreported changes can cause overpayments, benefit errors or case issues. |
Texas HHS says proof of facts can be submitted through a Your Texas Benefits account, delivered to a local benefits office, or sent by mail or fax. Keep a copy of everything you submit and write the case number on documents when possible.
Texas HHS eligibility: SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF and proof of facts
Texas HHS eligibility depends on the program, household size, income, resources, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship or qualified non-citizen status, residency, expenses, and other facts. A quick online search cannot guarantee approval. Use official screening and provide accurate proof.
SNAP eligibility
SNAP helps eligible households buy food. Older adults and people with disabilities may have special application pathways such as TSAP.
SNAP detailsMedicaid
Medicaid can cover eligible children, families, seniors, pregnant women and people with disabilities.
Medicaid CHIPCHIP
CHIP covers children in families that earn too much for Medicaid but still meet CHIP requirements.
CHIP detailsTANF
TANF gives temporary cash help to eligible families with children and has program rules that must be followed.
TANF details| Proof type | Examples | Common issue |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Driver license, state ID, passport, school ID, immigration document, or other accepted ID | Blurry upload or expired document |
| Income | Pay stubs, employer statement, self-employment records, Social Security, pension, child support | Only uploading one pay stub when more were requested |
| Residence | Lease, utility bill, mail, statement, or address proof requested by HHSC | Address mismatch between application and document |
| Expenses | Rent, mortgage, utilities, childcare, medical costs, child support paid, insurance premiums | Forgetting senior or disability-related medical expenses |
| Household | People living together, people buying and preparing food together, dependents, pregnancy, disability | Not explaining who buys and prepares food separately |
| Citizenship / immigration | U.S. citizenship proof or qualified non-citizen documents when applicable | Assuming one family member’s status decides everyone’s eligibility |
Do not rely on old charts copied on social media. Income limits, deductions, notices and case rules can change. Use official Texas HHS, Your Texas Benefits, or 2-1-1 guidance before assuming you qualify or do not qualify.
Texas SNAP food benefits, food stamps, TSAP and senior household tips
SNAP, often called food stamps, helps eligible people buy food. Texas HHS says some households where all members are older adults age 60 or older or people with disabilities may qualify for the Texas Simplified Application Project, called TSAP.
Apply through Your Texas Benefits
Use YourTexasBenefits.com for the main online application. If you cannot apply online, call 2-1-1, visit a local benefits office, or use official forms when appropriate.
Check TSAP if every household member is older or disabled
TSAP is designed for some SNAP households where all members are age 60 or older or receive disability payments, and nobody has earned income. Review official TSAP rules before using a simplified application.
Older adults and people with disabilities should carefully list allowed medical costs, shelter costs, utilities and other expenses when requested. These details can matter for the benefit calculation.
Texas Medicaid and CHIP: children, families, seniors, disability and pregnancy routes
Medicaid and CHIP provide health coverage for eligible low-income children, families, seniors and people with disabilities. Texas HHS also has program pages for children, pregnant women, CHIP perinatal, long-term services, managed care and health plan selection.
Children’s Medicaid and CHIP
Children’s Medicaid serves eligible low-income children. CHIP may help children whose families earn too much for Medicaid but still meet CHIP rules.
Children’s MedicaidPregnant women and CHIP perinatal
Texas HHS has separate guidance for Medicaid for pregnant women and CHIP perinatal coverage.
Pregnancy coverageHealth plan and card
After approval, many Medicaid and CHIP services are delivered through health plans. Members may need to choose a plan.
Member helpApply first, then watch health plan notices
After approval, Texas Medicaid or CHIP notices may explain how to pick a health plan, what card to use, and where to call for member questions. Do not throw away HHSC mail.
The Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card is your permanent card. Take it to doctor, dentist and pharmacy visits. Some people also receive information from their managed care health plan.
Texas TANF cash help, family support and financial assistance routing
TANF cash help is temporary assistance for eligible families with children. It has rules, proof requirements, and ongoing responsibilities. If you need cash help, apply through the official Texas benefits route and read notices carefully.
| Prepare | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Child and adult household information | TANF is tied to eligible family and child household facts. |
| Income and job information | Income, work and household changes may affect eligibility. |
| Child support and absent parent information | Some TANF cases may involve child support cooperation requirements. |
| Notices and appointment letters | Missing requested action can affect benefits. |
| Transportation, childcare and work barriers | Explain barriers when the program asks about participation requirements. |
Read every HHSC notice from top to bottom. TANF notices can include deadlines, interview requirements, proof requests, participation rules, appeal rights and case-action dates.
Texas Lone Star Card: EBT, PIN, lost card, stolen benefits and replacement help
The Lone Star Card is used for Texas EBT benefits such as SNAP. Card problems should be handled quickly because delays can affect food access.
Call 800-777-7328
Use the Lone Star Help Desk for lost, stolen, damaged or not-working card issues.
Card contactsChange PIN quickly
If you suspect card misuse, change your PIN, report the card issue, and follow the official fraud-prevention steps.
Fraud awarenessCall 2-1-1 Option 2
For the HHSC benefits case itself, call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 and choose Option 2.
Case helpDo not share your PIN, card number, Social Security number or case details with callers, texts or websites you did not contact first. Start from Texas HHS, Your Texas Benefits, 2-1-1 or the Lone Star Help Desk.
Texas HHS documents: upload proof, mail, fax, office drop-off and avoiding delays
Many Texas HHS delays happen because proof is missing, blurry, expired, not tied to the case number, or sent to the wrong place. Proof of facts may be submitted online, at a local benefits office, by mail, or by fax when the official notice allows it.
| Document | Good upload practice | Delay risk |
|---|---|---|
| Pay stubs | Upload all requested weeks, front and back if needed, with employer name visible. | Only sending one pay stub when more were requested. |
| ID | Use clear, readable images with all corners visible. | Blurred ID, glare, cropped photo or expired card. |
| Rent or mortgage proof | Include name, address, amount and current date or agreement period. | Address does not match application. |
| Utility bills | Upload current bill pages showing household name and service address. | Old or partial bill without address. |
| Medical expenses | Older adults and people with disabilities should keep receipts, bills and insurance premium proof when requested. | Forgetting out-of-pocket costs. |
| Immigration or citizenship proof | Upload the document requested in your notice. | Uploading an unrelated document that does not prove the requested fact. |
Save the upload confirmation screen, fax confirmation, mail receipt, or office drop-off note. If calling later, the date and method of submission can help staff locate your documents.
Texas HHS office near me: benefits office, service locator, 2-1-1 and local help
Use the correct office finder for your service. If you need SNAP, TANF, Medicaid or WIC benefit help, Your Texas Benefits and 2-1-1 are the best starting routes. Other HHS location tools may focus on aging, disability, behavioral health, intellectual or developmental disability services, or rehabilitation services.
Find an office for benefits
Use the Your Texas Benefits office finder when you need a local office connected to SNAP, TANF, Medicaid or related benefit tasks.
Find officeFind aging, disability or behavioral health services
Use HHSC service-location resources for aging, disability, behavioral health and intellectual or developmental disability offices.
Find services| Before you visit | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Confirm office type | Not every HHS location is a benefits office or handles document drop-off. |
| Check hours and holiday closures | Office hours can vary by location and service. |
| Bring notice and case number | Staff can route the issue faster when you have the official letter. |
| Bring ID and copies | Keep originals safe and provide copies when possible. |
| Ask for proof of drop-off | A date-stamped receipt or confirmation can help later. |
For Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, McAllen, Corpus Christi, Lubbock, Waco, Tyler, Amarillo and rural counties, always search by ZIP code or county first. The closest building may not be the right office for your benefit or service.
Texas HHS appeal, fair hearing, denial, reduction, closure and Ombudsman help
If HHSC denies, reduces, closes, delays, or changes benefits and you disagree, read the notice carefully. Most appeal requests can be made in writing, by calling 2-1-1, or by visiting a local HHSC office within the deadline shown by HHS guidance and your notice.
Read the notice date and deadline first
Find the date of action, benefit type, reason, deadline and appeal instructions. Make a copy or take a clear photo before you send anything.
Contact the caseworker or provider first when possible
The HHS Office of the Ombudsman recommends contacting your provider or caseworker first to see if they can explain the decision or correct the problem. If it is not resolved, contact the Ombudsman.
Keep a simple timeline: date you applied, date you submitted proof, date of notice, date you called, name of person you spoke with, and what was said. This can help in an appeal or Ombudsman review.
Report Texas HHS fraud, waste, abuse, stolen benefits and suspicious activity
Fraud, waste or abuse involving Texas HHS programs should be reported through the HHS Office of Inspector General. This is different from appealing your own benefits decision or contacting the Ombudsman about unresolved service complaints.
OIG Fraud Hotline
Texas HHS OIG fraud hotline information lists 800-436-6184 for suspected fraud, waste or abuse related to HHS programs.
Open OIGLone Star Card fraud
If you suspect EBT card misuse, change your PIN, contact the Lone Star Help Desk and follow official fraud-prevention steps.
Card fraud helpHHSC, 2-1-1, Your Texas Benefits, or OIG pages should be accessed directly from official websites. Do not trust texts, calls or emails asking for your PIN, password, full Social Security number, or card details unless you initiated contact through an official route.
Texas HHS Austin location, headquarters map and before-you-visit warning
Texas HHS lists multiple locations and service offices. The North Austin Complex is listed at 4601 W. Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78751-3146, with main number 512-424-6500. Do not drive there for a benefits task until you confirm the service, office type and current visitor rules.
| Need | Better route before visiting |
|---|---|
| SNAP, TANF, Medicaid or CHIP application | Use YourTexasBenefits.com, 2-1-1 Option 2, or the benefits office locator. |
| Upload or drop off documents | Check your notice and office finder, then bring a case number and copies. |
| Appeal or fair hearing | Follow the notice and Fair and Fraud Hearings route. |
| Ombudsman help | Call 877-787-8999 or use the Ombudsman page after trying normal resolution first. |
| Aging, disability or behavioral health services | Use the HHSC services location directory or 2-1-1 local resource route. |
For benefit questions, an online account, 2-1-1 call, local benefits office, or official upload route is usually better than visiting a headquarters-style location.
What Texas HHS may not handle: DSHS, vital records, DMV, unemployment, Social Security and courts
Many users land on the wrong “Texas health” page. Use this checklist before calling or entering personal information.
Birth and death certificates
Texas birth, death, marriage and divorce record tasks usually route to Texas Department of State Health Services or Texas.gov, not Your Texas Benefits.
Vital recordsDPS / DMV-style tasks
Driver license, vehicle registration and Texas ID tasks do not use Texas HHS benefits offices.
Texas.govJobless benefits
Unemployment insurance usually routes through the Texas Workforce Commission, not Texas HHS.
Find agencySocial Security and Medicare
Social Security retirement, SSI, SSDI and Medicare decisions often route through federal agencies, though Medicaid and Medicare help may connect to Texas HHS programs.
Medicaid infoDo not enter Social Security numbers, benefit case numbers, Medicaid card details, Lone Star Card PINs, medical records or immigration documents on unofficial pages. Use only official Texas HHS, Your Texas Benefits, 2-1-1, Texas.gov, OIG or agency websites for final action.
Official Texas HHS links used in this guide
Use these official pages for final applications, renewals, documents, contact, eligibility, appeals and complaints. This independent page does not collect benefits applications, review cases, upload documents, process appeals or issue Lone Star Cards.
People also search for: Texas HHS Google and Bing intent guide
These common search phrases show what users usually need. Use the matching route so you do not waste time on a page that cannot process your benefit task.
Texas department of health and human services benefits
Use Your Texas Benefits for application, renewal and case management.
Benefits routeTexas HHS office near me
Use the benefits office finder for SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP and TANF offices.
Office routeTexas food stamps application
Use SNAP Food Benefits and YourTexasBenefits.com to apply or renew.
SNAP routeYour Texas Benefits login
Use YourTexasBenefits.com for notices, renewals, uploads and report changes.
Login routeTexas Medicaid eligibility
Use Medicaid and CHIP program pages, then apply with accurate household facts.
Medicaid routeLone Star Card phone number
Call 800-777-7328 for Lone Star Card issues and 2-1-1 Option 2 for the benefits case.
Card routeTexas HHS appeal
Use Fair and Fraud Hearings and read your notice date and deadline carefully.
Appeal routeTexas HHS complaint
Try the caseworker or provider first, then use the Ombudsman if unresolved.
Complaint routeSafety, privacy and independent guide notice
HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent help guide. It is not the official Texas HHS website, not YourTexasBenefits.com, not 2-1-1 Texas, not Texas.gov, not the Texas HHS Office of Inspector General, and not a local HHSC office.
Do not send Social Security numbers, Medicaid cards, Lone Star Card PINs, driver licenses, immigration documents, pay stubs, medical records, benefit notices, appeal documents or household information to an independent guide page. Use only official secure pages for final submission.
Eligibility, forms, income rules, office hours, phone routing, appeal deadlines, documents, benefit amounts, case notices and program rules can change. Confirm final details on Texas HHS, Your Texas Benefits, 2-1-1 Texas, Texas.gov or official agency pages before taking action.
Texas HHS FAQs
What is the Texas HHS phone number for benefits?
For help with Texas HHS benefits or YourTexasBenefits.com, call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905, choose your language, then choose Option 2 for state benefits. Have your case number, county, benefit type and callback number ready.
What is the official Your Texas Benefits website?
The official benefit portal is YourTexasBenefits.com. Use it to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP or TANF, renew benefits, upload documents, report changes, check notices and manage case tasks.
How do I apply for Texas food stamps or SNAP?
Apply through YourTexasBenefits.com, call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 and choose Option 2, or use a local benefits office. Prepare household, income, expense, identity and address information before applying.
How do I renew Texas benefits?
Log in to Your Texas Benefits and follow the renewal notice, or use the paper renewal packet if HHSC mailed one. Update income, address, household, expenses and insurance information, then upload or send requested proof before the deadline.
How do I find a Texas HHS office near me?
Use the Your Texas Benefits Find an Office tool for SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP and TANF benefits offices. Use HHSC service-location tools for aging, disability, behavioral health and intellectual or developmental disability service offices.
What documents do I need for Texas HHS benefits?
Documents depend on the program and notice, but common proof includes identity, income, residence, household members, expenses, medical costs, citizenship or immigration documents, and insurance information. Upload clear copies and keep confirmation.
What is the Lone Star Card phone number?
For Lone Star Card questions, lost card, stolen card, damaged card, PIN or EBT card help, call the Lone Star Help Desk at 800-777-7328. For the HHSC benefits case itself, call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 and choose Option 2.
How do I appeal a denied or reduced Texas HHS benefit?
Read the notice date, action, reason and deadline. Texas HHS fair hearing guidance says most appeal requests can be made in writing, by calling 2-1-1, or by visiting a local HHSC office. Keep copies of all notices and documents.
When should I contact the Texas HHS Ombudsman?
Contact your provider or caseworker first to see if they can explain the decision or fix the problem. If it still is not resolved, contact the HHS Office of the Ombudsman at 877-787-8999 or use the official Ombudsman page.
Is HealthDepartmentGuide.org the official Texas HHS website?
No. HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent guide. It does not process benefits, upload documents, issue Lone Star Cards, decide eligibility, file appeals, or replace Texas HHS, YourTexasBenefits.com, 2-1-1 Texas, Texas.gov or official local offices.